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ABC of food & wine pairing



Food & Wine pairing Considerations

  • match the weight/richness of the food to the body of the wine (ex: red meat casseroles match fill-bodied wines; plain white meat or fish matches more delicate wine)
  • match the texture of the dish (coming from cooking method) to the texture of the wine (ex: steamed food matches with lighter flavoured wine; roasted food matches with fuller-bodied wines)
  • match or contrast flavour characteristics of the food and the wine (ex: pheasant match earthy, gamey wine; grilled steak contrast with fruity Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • pair high acidic foods with high acid wines (ex: dishes with tomato sauce with chianti; lemony fish with Sauvignon Blanc)
  • pair sweet foods with high acid / sweet wines (same level of sweetness or higher) (ex: sweet dessert and late harvest)
  • pair salty foods with sweet or high acid wines (ex: Roquefort cheese and Sauternes; shellfish and Sauvignon Blanc) other considerations
  • avoid combining oily or very salty foods with high tannin red wines (tannic wines with oily fish results in unpleasant metallic taste)
  • pair high protein meat with high tannin wines (ex: roast meats, steak match Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz)
  • pair fatty and oily food with high acid wines (ex: foie gras paired with Sauternes)

When in doubt, always consider “classic pairings”: regional food and wine usually go well together

Storage Recommendation

  • keep wine away from strong light, cold and hot temperaure
  • for long term storage

    • wines should be keep at constant temperature between 10-15 C
    • store on its side to ensure the cork remains in contact with the wine
    • away from light & vibration
    • constant humidity level